Laguna Beach held off the Monarchs, 9-7, in a Division 1 quarterfinal that was close deep into the fourth period.

Mater Dei's stockpile could make it a contender in Division 1 this coming winter along with defending champion Orange Lutheran, Dos Pueblos of Goleta, Laguna Beach, San Marcos and Corona del Mar among others.

Dos Pueblos didn't graduate any seniors and landed Laguna Beach transfer Sophie Leggett, arguably the top freshman in the county. Orange Lutheran started three freshmen last season along with seniors-to-be Mollie and Myna Simmons.

Laguna Beach is expected to return U.S. national team center Aria Fischer, a potential Olympian who sat out last season as a junior to train with Team USA.

Please send water polo news to Dan Albano at dalbano@ocregister.com or @ocvarsityguy on Twitter